Microchipping pets has become popular nationwide, especially for cats and dogs. Local cat café and shelter, Cattiesburg, added a public microchip scanner to help lost pets find their homes.
Co-owner Nicole Legg explained why having a public microchip scanner was important.
“So lots of times, pets are found after hours when clinics or shelters are closed,” Legg said. “So, here you can come out of the front door, scan the pet, and if the pet does have a microchip, you can go ahead and look up that microchip.”
Leg emphasizes the efficiency of microchipping.
“I know the microchip companies are 24/7 and will answer your phone calls,” said Legg. “From there, they can get to the rightful owner, and you don’t even have to wait an extra day.”
The American Veterinary Medical Association reported that more than 7,700 stray animals at animal shelters in 23 states showed that microchipped animals are far more likely to be returned to their owners. The AVMA also says that the microchip is not a 100% guarantee that you will get your pet back if it’s lost or stolen, but it does give the pet a better chance at being reunited with its owner.
Although the microchip scanner is located at Cattiesburg, it is open to all animals that have microchips. According to the Tupelo Small Animal Hospital in Tupelo, Mississippi, microchips can be placed in a variety of pets, including reptiles, dogs, cats, horses, ferrets and birds.
The microchip scanner is located right outside the front door of Cattiesburg Café. Cattiesburg Café has new hours as it collaborates with The Pretty Pittie Committee, a non-profit organization that helps lost, abandoned, abused or street dogs, and their new thrift shop, Pretty Thrifty. The new hours for Cattiesburg Cafe are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., but the scanner is open to the public at all times.
During those hours, Cattiesburg is also accepting donations for cat litter, litter boxes, canned cat food, sensitive stomach or digestive care dry food, cat toy wands and laundry detergent. They can also take dog supplies for any dog guests that stop by from The Pretty Pitte Committee. They also have cats that are available for adoption.
